Florida frustrations

[charlie b]

Re: Florida frustrations

Originally posted by bdarnell:Out of the 12 or so replies, his was the only one with any relevance to my original question. Is this typically how the forums are conducted ? What, if any, is the moderator's function ?

Take a look at the number of posts that Roger and Jim Walker have made. Like many of us, they have made a significant contribution to the Forum. A little bit of humor from time to time is not too much a price to pay for their experience and their willingness to share that experience.

The function of a Moderator is to enforce the rules. I have removed posts by Do It Yourself persons who are trying to get help with their home projects. I have removed threads that turn into debates over things the Forum owner doesn't want debated through his site (for example, the "union versus non-union" debate). I have issued warnings to members who use inappropriate language or unprofessional comments, and have edited out such language and comments. I have posted "reminders," when I think the discussion has strayed too far off the original topic. I have also tried to "clean up" the Forum and make it easier to read, by deleting duplicate posts and duplicate questions. I have written several of the questions and answers in the FAQ section. Finally, I have made my share of contributions to the technical discussions.

The function of a Moderator does not include deleting any and all posts that do not directly answer the original question.

 

[augie47]

Re: Florida frustrations

charlie b,
informative! being somewhat of a "newbee" myself, I would say that I have been impressed by the moderators. You guys do an excellent job taking into account the various personalities and degree of knowledge of the participants. Its no wonder Mike pays you so much

 

[chrisw500]

Re: Florida frustrations

The Florida DBPR seems to run everyone through the ringer about the information they want. I had to submit all of the same info 3 or 4 different times before they let me test. When I tested I talked to a number of different people who were given the same run around. It would take 30 days to get a reply after new information was submitted each and every time.

The credit report statement was an issue for me as well, I ended up getting a list of "approved" credit agencies, most small local agencies. It really seemed like a scam to me needing that specific statement on the report as well as needing the report sent to the DBPR directly from the credit agency. But when in Rome...

 

[bdarnell]

Re: Florida frustrations

I too found that list of "nationally recognized" credit reporting agencies (thanks to Sarina at Mike Holt for her help) and contacted one. It's amazing that they want $75.00 for a credit report and I paid $30 for three from the "Big Three". I also spoke to someone at TransUnion and was told that they do search local liens, bankruptcies, etc. contrary to what DBPR told me.

Anyway, as they say, "when you have them by their hair, their hearts and minds will follow"

Regards

{Moderator's Note: Edited to remove an unpleasant metaphor. Let's keep the language clean here.}

[ December 21, 2005, 04:08 PM: Message edited by: charlie b ]

 

[RampyElectric]

Re: Florida frustrations

To Bryan Holland... I cant thank you enough for clearing up my confusion. God bless you man and Merry Christmas!

 

[RampyElectric]

Re: Florida frustrations

Ok I downloaded the form....now comes my qusetions. Since I am applying for a journeyman electrician license, will I have to provide a net worth and credit report in the same manner as the gentle man did for the DBPR? Also can my SC journeymans be used for reciprocity, or can the master who signed for me there sign for me in FL..... sorry to swamp you, and thanks for the help.

 

[RampyElectric]

Re: Florida frustrations

Sorry, also what exactly is the net worth requirement?

 

[roger]

Re: Florida frustrations

Rampy, there is no monetary requirement for a journeyman in FL, a Jman can not conduct a business. You will find that having a jman card will not mean much, and don't think I'm being negative, it's just a fact.

Roger

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Florida frustrations

All the card will do here is start you at a higher pay scale.But it is not needed.It's only value is a step towards master.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Florida frustrations

The local jurisdictions in Florida do not require the finacial affidavit however you will still be required to submit a credit report with the journeyman application. Apparently this report goes into the "character" considerations for awarding the license.

 

[RampyElectric]

Re: Florida frustrations

To Jim ,Petey, Roger and Bryan, thanks so much. Its been a big help having some FL vetsa to draw on. Thanks so much. You guys have a Merry Christmas

 

[DaveTap]

Re: Florida frustrations

Rampy, Florida does not reciprocate with SC but does with NC, GA, and AL. After a year trying to qualify I am looking to NC or GA. NC test can be taken in Orlando but GA is cheaper.

[ January 09, 2006, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: DaveTap ]

 

[jeff43222]

Re: Florida frustrations

Do they allow reciprocity if you fail the exam? The reciprocity agreements around here stipulate that if you fail an exam, you are not eligible for a reciprocal license in the state where you failed it.

 

[roger]

Re: Florida frustrations

Dave, what is the reason you can not qualify for the FL exam?

Roger

 

[hurk27]

Re: Florida frustrations

I feel we should be able to work in any state of the United States, It's funny that we can drive a vehicle in any state and I would guess there are many more people killed in vehicle accidents than electrical problems? Could you imagine having to apply for a drivers license in each state
And you can't use that each state has different code as this also applies to driving laws also. speed limits are not all the same, conditions are not all the same I.E. Mountains, Snow, sand storms all can be in one state without being in others.
I seems we are one country but in many ways we are not

 

[DaveTap]

Re: Florida frustrations

I agree with HURK you can take a 6 week course to drive a 40 ton rolling bomb of hazardous waste anywhere in the US but an electrician has to get a license for every state he wants to work in. I am really thinking hard about going back to finish my EE because at least it can cross state lines.

Roger: I've been a licensed supervising general electrician in Chicago for almost 20 years but they gave me the same run-around with credit, want more verification of work experience, affidavits from inspectors, copies of permits etc. I just didn't think it was worth the extra hassle when none of it is required in NC or GA. I'm really a computer/electronics/HVAC/ refrigeration tech and electrical is secondary. After college I worked 2 years for an EE who was licensed and after he retired he said I should take the test because "you know more about electric than I do." Since then I've wired everything from houses to 600V 4800A services, but of the last 20 years half were spent on Swiss, German, and Japanese CNC EDM machines, HVAC/refrigeration control systems, then theatrical/television stage lighting, sound, video, and computer control systems and networking. I moonlighted bringing 100+ year old buildings up to code and can run conduit with the best of them. Being from Chicago I didn't even know what Romex, UF, or SEC was until I got to Florida... land of the "bonded" PVC ground pipe, and outdoor plumbing... but where I can't even qualify to take the exam.

[ January 09, 2006, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: DaveTap ]